281 homes in a 34-storey tower proposed for New Westminster

Jun 25 2020, 1:29 am

A vacant lot near the northern end of SkyTrain’s Skybridge in downtown New Westminster could be developed into a new 34-storey, mixed-tenure residential tower.

Local developer Regal Century Management has submitted a rezoning and development application to the City of New Westminster for the site at 51 Elliot Street, located five-minutes walking distance from Columbia Station.

Designed by Chris Dikeakos Architecture, the proposal calls for 281 homes, including 253 condominiums, with a unit mix of 147 one-bedroom units, 79 two-bedroom units, and 27 three-bedroom units, including 10 three-bedroom townhouses.

51 Elliot Street New Westminster

Site of 51 Elliot Street, New Westminster. (Chris Dikeakos Architecture / Regal Century Management)

51 Elliot Street New Westminster

Site of 51 Elliot Street, New Westminster. (Google Maps)

There will also be 28 below-market rental homes, with a unit mix of 22 one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units.

Over 40% of these homes, 116 units, are deemed to be “adaptable,” which will allow seniors to age in place and support individuals with mobility challenges.

Tenants will have access to 9,000 sq. ft. of indoor amenity space, and 9,200 sq. ft. of outdoor amenity space.

51 Elliot Street New Westminster

Artistic rendering of 51 Elliot Street, New Westminster. (Chris Dikeakos Architecture / Regal Century Management)

51 Elliot Street New Westminster

Artistic rendering of 51 Elliot Street, New Westminster. (Chris Dikeakos Architecture / Regal Century Management)

A city-owned, 4,220-sq-ft childcare facility within a standalone building facing Albert Crescent Park immediately to the east will have a capacity for up to 25 children.

“The architectural design is inspired by the site’s proximity to the Fraser River. The flow of water over the rocks is captured by angular patterns on the building’s exterior. The primary materials of the building include glass, metal panel, and basalt stone, which adds texture and interest,” reads the architect’s design rationale.

“Vertical glass fins on the east and west facades represent the flow of water, while also acting as sun shading to help reduce solar heat gains. A water feature is proposed at the building’s entrance, which enhances connectivity and further strengthens the nature and water theme of the project.”

51 Elliot Street New Westminster

Artistic rendering of 51 Elliot Street, New Westminster. (Chris Dikeakos Architecture / Regal Century Management)

51 Elliot Street New Westminster

Artistic rendering of 51 Elliot Street, New Westminster. (Chris Dikeakos Architecture / Regal Century Management)

Improvements will be made to the public realm of the street and the connectivity to the adjacent park.

Underground levels will contain 280 vehicle parking stalls and 370 bike parking spaces.

The total floor area is about 259,000 sq. ft., giving the project a floor area ratio density of 6.69 times the size of the 38,800-sq-ft lot.

51 Elliot Street New Westminster

Artistic rendering of 51 Elliot Street, New Westminster. (Chris Dikeakos Architecture / Regal Century Management)

51 Elliot Street New Westminster

Artistic rendering of 51 Elliot Street, New Westminster. (Chris Dikeakos Architecture / Regal Century Management)

51 Elliot Street New Westminster

Artistic rendering of 51 Elliot Street, New Westminster. (Chris Dikeakos Architecture / Regal Century Management)

ADVERTISEMENT